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Illinois Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Illinois is a state located in the Midwest region of the United States. It is among the top five most populous states in the country and is often referred to as “Land of Lincoln” in honor of Abraham Lincoln who lived here while elected. Other presidents living in Illinois while elected include: Ulysses S. Grant and Barack Obama. In the past, the state was referred to as “The Prairie State” due being flat with many open grasslands. The Illinois economy is extremely diverse and includes: agricultural production, harvesting of natural resources, transportation, politics, and manufacturing.

If you live in the busy state of Illinois and plan on driving your motorcycle, you need to be aware of the legal requirements. Before you even take your motorcycle out for a spin, you need to prove some sort of financial responsibility. In the event that you get into an accident, financial responsibility means paying for damages that you have caused. If you don’t have an insurance policy, you could get into legal trouble and end up having to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Illinois Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Each state has different requirements that must be met before you consider driving on public roadways. Although nobody thinks they are going to ever be involved in an accident, the fact is that they still happen. If you do not have sufficient insurance to pick up costs for your damages, you may end up in a lot of legal trouble.

How to Establish Financial Responsibility in Illinois

In other states, you have various options when it comes to establishing financial responsibility. In the state of Illinois, you must purchase liability insurance. If you do not have an insurance policy for your motorcycle, you cannot legally drive it – pretty simple to understand.

Buy liability insurance – Purchase a liability insurance policy from a licensed provider and you have taken care of the financial responsibility requirement.

Motorcycles / Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined

Many times individuals are not sure about the classification of their 2-wheeled vehicle. If you do not know whether your vehicle is considered a motorcycle, you can read below and see if it fits the specific description. If you are unsure about your vehicle’s classification, you can contact the Secretary of State at the following number: (800)-252-8980. They will answer any questions you have about your vehicle and help educate you on the legal requirements.

Motorcycles: Any 2-wheeled vehicles with a saddle or seat designed for riding with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. It also must have an engine displacement of at least 150 cc.

Motor-Driven Cycles: These meet the same criteria as a motorcycle except they have an engine displacement of less than 150 cc.

Moped: This falls under the motor-driven cycle definition, except they must meet more specific definitions. This vehicle must produce 2-brake or less horsepower, have an engine displacement 50 cc or less, have a transmission that doesn’t require shifting of gears, and not exceed 30 mph.

Illinois Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Requirements

Below are the required amounts of coverage that you’ll need if you plan on riding your motorcycle in the state of Illinois. Keep these in mind while looking for an insurance policy.

Liability Insurance:

$20,000 bodily injury per person

$40,000 bodily injury per accident

$15,000 property damage per accident

Uninsured Motorist:

$20,000 per person

$40,000 per accident

You should keep in mind that the coverage listed above is the “minimal” amount required. This may not be enough to protect you financially in the event of a significant accident. If you would like to increase your coverage for additional security, be sure to contact your insurance provider. It may cost you more to increase your coverage, but if you are ever in an accident, it may be worth it.

Illinois Laws: Safety & Licensing Requirements

Each state has different laws that you are required to follow as a motorcyclist. You should know whether you need to wear a helmet, have protective eye-wear, and the required licensing before you drive.

Helmets – You are not required to wear a helmet while riding your motorcycle in Illinois. However, your insurance company may give you additional discounts for wearing one.

Eye Protection – You are required to wear protective eyewear unless your motorcycle has a windshield that screens your eyes.

Headlights – You are required to use your headlight at all times while operating your cycle – day or night.

Licensing – To legally drive your motorcycle, you need to get a Class M permit. This usually requires that you pass proper testing. To drive a moped, you need a Class L permit – which allows you to drive cycles less than 150 cc.

Note: If you have a Class M permit, you do not need a Class L for vehicles less than 150 cc; you’re M permit will suffice.

Proof of Insurance

Whenever you are driving, you need to make sure that you have proof of insurance with you. Your insurance provider will likely issue you an insurance identification card to put in your motorcycle or wallet. If an officer of the law asks to see proof of insurance, you need to show them that you are insured.

Insurance ID Card – This contains your insurance information such as: policy number, information, and agent contact number. This should be presented to a police officer upon request or exchanged as information in an accident.

Penalty for Lack of Insurance

Individuals that try to get by without insurance or try to get out of showing proof will end up in legal trouble. There are a variety of penalties that you may face if you fail to show that you are fully insured. There’s no need to set yourself up to face a penalty – just make sure that you get yourself sufficient coverage and keep proof with you at all times.

Fines: You may get fined up to $500 for not showing proof of coverage.

Suspended License Plates: Until you are able to provide proof of insurance, your license plates may face a suspension. If you have committed more than one offense, you could end up with suspended plates for a period of at least 4 months.

Reinstatement Fees: In order to reinstate your driving rights and license plates, you will end up having to pay a $100 reinstatement fee. You will also be required to provide proof of insurance along with this fee.

Illinois Motorcycle Insurance Companies

Finding a company willing to provide you with a motorcycle insurance policy that meets the minimum requirements in Illinois is easy. However, finding a provider that is willing to give you quality coverage at a price that you can afford is a little bit tougher. In order to help you get the best possible deal, we have included a form below that allows you to enter your Zip Code for a list of the top insurers in your specific location. Once you have gotten quotes from each of the top companies in your city, you can decide which company is offering you a policy that best suits your needs in Illinois.